# Training Program in Cell and Molecular Biology

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2024 · $549,359

## Abstract

We propose a flexible interdisciplinary Training Program in Cell and Molecular Biology – the Cell and Molecular
Biology Training Grant (CMBTG) – at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). The CMBTG is a University-wide,
interdepartmental and interschool program whose mission is to provide a multifaceted doctoral program to
prepare students for research-focused and/or research-related careers in cell and molecular biology in
academia, industry, or government. The goals of the CMBTG are (1) to provide Trainees with both in-depth and
broad-based training in cell and molecular biology research and modern methodology, while at the same time
matching the Trainees’ specific interests, and (2) endow students with an appreciation for life-long learning in
which they can adapt to shifting research needs within the cell and molecular biology fields. These goals are
achieved through general and specialized courses, literature survey courses, laboratory rotations, a qualifying
examination, thesis research with oversight from an advising committee and annual IDP submission, training in
responsible conduct of research and scientific rigor and reproducibility, and training grant-specific activities.
Trainee-specific activities include: an annual oral presentation of ongoing thesis research; attending the annual
Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group Retreat; attending the Annual Trainee Organized Invited Lectures
and meeting with the speakers; participating in Alumni Day designed to expose Trainees to a broad range of
PhD-dependent careers; Current and Former Trainee Lunch in which former Trainees present a talk on their
thesis research; Senior student mentored prepration of individual fellowships; Interactions with Pennovation
Works, a business incubator and laboratory that aligns and integrates researchers, innovators, and
entrepreneurs for the commercialization of research discoveries; and other activities. Trainees also work on
presentation skills, including elevator talks, and learn how to write, defend, and review grants productively.
Students completing their first year of graduate studies are appointed for two years and are selected annually
by the Executive Committee. Trainers come from multiple Departments within the Penn Schools of Medicine,
Veterinary Medicine, and Arts and Science, and affiliated Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Wistar
Institute. Trainers have active research programs in cell and molecular biology and a strong commitment to
graduate education. The CMBTG has formal mechanisms to monitor Trainees both during and after CMBTG
support and to train Trainers in mentorship and unconscious bias and monitor them. Lastly, Trainers participate
in a number of efforts to recruit under-represented students both locally and nationally. The CMBTG is directly
managed by an Executive Committee that sets and reviews policy and selects Trainees. Based on the number
of potential trainees, we request support for 10 predoctoral trainees/year f...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10848771
- **Project number:** 1T32GM153602-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** MARISA S. BARTOLOMEI
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $549,359
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10848771

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10848771, Training Program in Cell and Molecular Biology (1T32GM153602-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10848771. Licensed CC0.

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